Trump FCC probes ABC's The View for regulatory classification amid partisan media debates
Original framing: “Trump FCC asks public to comment on whether ABC's The View is a news show” — Ars Technica
The FCC's inquiry operates as a trickster mechanism, using bureaucratic formality to mask ideological intent. Like Eshu in Yoruba mythology, it disrupts conventional boundaries to reveal the absurdity of rigid media classification in a dynamic, participatory media environment.
The FCC's inquiry into ABC's The View is not merely a regulatory question but a systemic reflection of how political power shapes media governance.
By reclassifying opinion-based content as news, the agency risks undermining journalistic standards and silencing marginalized voices. This action aligns with historical patterns of regulatory capture, where media policy is used to enforce ideological conformity. To counter this, independent oversight, public engagement, and diverse media ecosystems are essential. Drawing from cross-cultural and Indigenous frameworks, we can reimagine media as a space for dialogue rather than control, ensuring that it serves democratic values rather than partisan interests.